Stone on shaky ground

Pro Football Weekly reports that the Falcons may release safety Daren Stone if he’s convicted of DUI, stemming from a June arrest. According to the report, the Falcons organization has become hypersensitive in the wake of Michael Vick’s legal troubles from a year ago about its players getting involved in on the wrong side of the law. Per an AJC report, Falcons head coach Mike Smith had this to say about Stone’s arrest back in June:

“There isn’t really anything I can say other than I’m disappointed, that is obvious. We’re disappointed as an organization. I spoke with Daren and again, any of those conversations I would like to keep private.”

The PFW report also indicates another reason which may prompt Stone’s untimely dismissal is the development of rookie Thomas DeCoud, who has gotten some limited work with the team’s first team defense at safety. Following the team’s decision to release safety Jimmy Williams last month, the team also signed veteran Deke Cooper, who started 15 games for the Carolina Panthers last season, which also prevents a glaring loss of depth if Stone is released.

Despite the team’s reported hypersensitivity, there is no indication that Michael Boley will lose his roster spot over his May arrest on battery against his wife.